Acadia National Park: 9th Most Visited U.S. National Park in 2011 [40 PICS]

The largest island along the rugged coast of Maine is Mount Desert Island. A cluster of islands make up Acadia National Park. The photographer called this the ‘Wild gardens of Acadia NP.’ Photo #1 by Liz West

‘Sunset Over Mountain Pine Tree.’ According to NPS, “Acadia National Park protects a landscape of rare scenic beauty. The vistas from the high rocky headlands encompass forested woodlands, shimmering lakes, quiet marshes, bold rocky shores, and coastal islands. On all sides, the ocean surrounds the park and strongly influences the park’s character.” Photo #2 by Kim Seng

Near the Gorge Trail Trailhead. Regarding the natural features and diversity of ecosystems within Acadia, NPS wrote, “Ocean, mountains, lakes and streams, wetlands, forests, meadows, and beaches are all found within the roughly 45,000 acres of Acadia, and each feature makes its unique contribution to the natural tapestry.” Photo #3 by Andrew Mace

NPS reports “The waters around Mount Desert Island are littered with shipwrecks.” By 1855 there had been so many shipwrecks that it was decided a lighthouse was needed. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse on Mount Desert Island was built in 1858 and was completed in 1876. It’s now a private residence but Bass Harbor Lighthouse remains a favorite shot for photographers. Photo #4 by Kim Seng

Crashing waves at Schoodic Peninsula, another section or 5% of Acadia. There are 2,266 acres of the Schoodic Peninsula and it is often less crowded than other areas of the park as an estimated 10% of Acadia visitors come here. Photo #6 by Leslie Linscott

Cairns, or piles of rocks, mark the trail on Cadillac Mountain overlooking Bar Harbor, Maine. The photographer wrote, “Cadillac Mountain is largely composed of pink granite with forests of spruce and pitch pine. Views of Acadia National Park from the top of the mountain are spectacular.” Photo #8 by Princess Stand in the Rain

Jordan Pond Boardwalk for hikers and nature lovers at Acadia. The park service wrote, “Lakes and ponds add shimmering contrast to Acadia’s forested and rocky landscape. They cover about 2,600 acres of the park, which is equivalent to approximately 7.4% of its area. Within or adjacent to the park, you will find 14 Great Ponds (natural bodies of water greater than 4 hectares/10 acres) and 10 smaller ponds.” Photo #9 by Charles Tilford

Peregrine Falcon chick after banding which helps the park keep an eye on the population. “Peregrine falcons have rebounded since being on the brink of extinction in the mid-1960s. The falcons were reintroduced into the park in 1984, and have been returning of their own accord to nest successfully from 1991 to the present.” NPS further reports, “With a record of 338 bird species encountered, Acadia National Park is considered one of the premier bird-watching areas in the country.” Photo #11 by Todd M. Edgar / NPS

Frenchman Bay and Porcupine Islands around the town of Bar Harbor viewed from Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island. While Mount Cadillac rank comes in at 47th for the “highest elevation” within U.S. national parks, Acadia National Park service says, “Steep slopes rise above the rocky shore, including Cadillac Mountain, which at 1,530 feet is the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast.” Photo #17 by Matthew Field

An occasional surge soaks the viewing area at Thunder Hole. The photographer wrote, “These waves made an awesome sound as they raced between the sides of the chasm, thundering as they burst out of the end.” Rogue waves at the park have washed people over and rescue teams have been called in. Photo #18 by Giant Ginkgo

Catching a wave…or getting cought by one in Acadia National Park on ‘Ocean Drive’ near Thunder Hole. Photo #19 by miss_L

Bubble Pond: The photographer wrote, “Acadia National Park preserves much of Mount Desert Island, and associated smaller islands, off the Atlantic coast of Maine. Traditionally inhabited by Wabanaki Native American hunters, fishers, and gatherers, the area includes mountains, an ocean shoreline, woodlands, and lakes. In addition to Mount Desert Island, the park comprises much of the Isle au Haut, a small island to the southwest of Mount Desert Island and parts of Baker Island, also nearby. A portion of Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland is also part of the park. In total, Acadia National Park consists of 30,300 acres (47 square miles or 123 km2) on Mount Desert Island, 2,728 acres (4.6 square miles or 11 km2) on Isle au Haut and 2,366 acres (3.5 square miles or 9.2 km2) on the Schoodic Peninsula.” Photo #20 by Plh1234us

Blueberry Bushes on Cadillac Mountain, Frenchman’s Bay, Acadia National Park, near Bar Harbor, Maine. According to NPS, “Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is the tallest mountain along the eastern coast of the United States. During certain times of the year, it is the first place in the U.S. to see sunrise.” Photo #21 by Jim Dollar

Tombstones on Baker Island, yet another part of Acadia. 75% of Baker Island belong to Acadia. NPS reports, “Baker Island gives us a glimpse as to what island life was like during the 19th century. There are many structures and remnants of structures on the island that tell of the Gilley family’s 123 years of continuous habitation on the island as well as an operational lighthouse. Baker Island also provides visitors with great views of Mount Desert Island and striking ocean scenery.” Photo #22 by Todd M. Edgar / NPS

While hunting photos with a creative commons license, many photographers noted that if there is not much rain, then there are not as many waterfalls to be seen. Photo #23 by D Manski / NPS

In Acadia, the stream that flows from Somes Sound to Somes Pond is a popular spot for photographers. Somes Sound is often described as the “only fjord on the East Coast.” Photo #24 by Pablo Sanchez

Sand Beach from above. Acadia reports, “Sand Beach, in Acadia National Park, is nestled in a small inlet between the granite mountains and rocky shores of Mount Desert Island. This gorgeous 290 yard long beach is one of the most popular points of interest on the island.” Photo #29 by Black.Dots.

‘The Fall of Acadia.’ The photographer wrote, “The trail leads to the site of Old Farm the horme of George Dorr, one of the original advocates for the acquisition of land for Acadia National Park. The home site is located at Schooner Cove. The house has been torn down, but remains of george’s salt water swimming pool, fed by the tide, can still be seen.” Photo #36 by InAweofGod’sCreation

Acadia NP Rangers in action after the 2006 earthquake with a 4.2 magnitude blocked and damaged some trails. This was taken along ‘Precipices Trail Railing’. TripAdvisor states, “This is the most challenging trail in Acadia. It has many rungs and ladders along the way and an exposed and almost vertical 1,000 foot climb so it is only recommended for experience hikers or the physically fit. If you have the stomach for it, this is an amazing trail.” Photo #37 by NPS